On March 31, 2025, Nathaniel "JJ" Jones from Springfield, Massachusetts, was sentenced to 135 months' imprisonment followed by a 3-year supervised release for drug distribution, according to the United States Attorney’s Office for the District of Vermont. Jones had pleaded guilty to distributing fentanyl and cocaine.
Three accomplices had been sentenced earlier: Jermaine "Bear" Douchette, also from Springfield, received 135 months on December 16, 2024; Michelle Provencher from Irasburg, Vermont was sentenced to 37 months on February 10, 2025; and Daniel Peters from Newport, Vermont got 45 months on February 24, 2025. Additional defendants Tyler Norris, Erica Desormeaux, and Jeremy Young await sentencing.
Documents reveal that Jones and Douchette operated in multiple locations in Orleans County during 2022, where they distributed drugs procured from Massachusetts. From August to October 2022, the residence of Desormeaux and Young in Barton, Vermont, served as a base for their activities. Provencher facilitated contact with customers and hosts, while members of the group were armed, exchanged firearms for drugs, and sometimes engaged in violence to support the conspiracy.
Acting United States Attorney Michael P. Drescher acknowledged the efforts of the Northern Vermont Drug Task Force (NVDTF) and the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives (ATF). He highlighted the contributions from various law enforcement agencies in the investigation and prosecution of the case.
“This case underscores the relentless commitment of ATF and our law enforcement partners to disrupt and dismantle drug trafficking organizations that threaten the safety of our communities through the distribution of deadly narcotics and illegal firearms,” said James M. Ferguson, Special Agent in Charge of the ATF Boston Field Division. “The sentences handed down as a result of this investigation send a clear message: we will not tolerate violent criminal activity in the Northeast Kingdom or anywhere else in Vermont.”
"Our commitment to community safety remains unwavering”, said Sheriff Jennifer L. Harlow of the Orleans County Sheriff’s Department. “We will continue to work alongside our law enforcement partners to dismantle drug trafficking organizations that distribute deadly narcotics and illegal firearms. We thank our federal partners for their dedication to ensuring these individuals are held responsible."
Assistant U.S. Attorney Matthew Lasher prosecuted the case. Defense lawyers included Mark Kaplan for Jones, Gregory Mertz for Douchette, Robert Sussman for Provencher, and Heather Ross for Peters. Tyler Norris is represented by Chandler Matson, Erica Desormeaux by Natasha Sen, and Jeremy Young by Allan Sullivan.